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Strange Tales #115: The Sandman Strikes! & The Origin of Dr. Strange (1951)
Overview:
Strange Tales #115, published in December 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Steve Ditko. This issue features two key stories: the first centers on the Human Torch battling the villain known as the Sandman, while the second provides the origin story of Doctor Strange and his early confrontation with Baron Mordo.
Plot Summary:
In the first story, "The Sandman Strikes!", the Human Torch (Johnny Storm) is flying high after helping the Fantastic Four thwart another menace. However, his solo adventures continue to prove difficult as he faces Sandman, a villain with the ability to transform his body into sand. After a daring jailbreak, Sandman begins terrorizing the city, seeking vengeance against those who have wronged him. Johnny's cockiness quickly fades when he realizes how formidable his new foe is, as Sandman can easily slip out of his fiery attacks by dissipating into grains of sand.
As their battle rages across the city, Johnny struggles to get the upper hand. At one point, he is nearly smothered by Sandman’s relentless assault, but he uses his quick thinking and flaming abilities to trap Sandman in an area where he can’t escape. Using the environment to his advantage, Johnny finally manages to contain Sandman long enough to hand him over to the authorities, though the fight leaves him physically and mentally exhausted. This solo victory proves to Johnny that his abilities are just as valuable outside the Fantastic Four, even against powerful foes.
The second story, "The Origin of Dr. Strange," dives into the mysterious backstory of the Master of the Mystic Arts. Dr. Stephen Strange, once a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon, suffered a career-ending accident that severely damaged his hands, leaving him unable to perform surgery. Desperate for a cure, he squandered his fortune searching for a solution, but all hope seemed lost until he heard whispers of a mystical figure known as the Ancient One, who resided in the Himalayas.
Traveling to the Ancient One's temple, Strange begged for help, but the mystical master saw that Strange's intentions were selfish and refused to aid him. However, when Strange discovered that one of the Ancient One’s disciples, Baron Mordo, was secretly plotting against his master, he intervened. Unable to stop Mordo due to a magical spell, Strange realized the importance of mystic knowledge and vowed to learn the ways of magic not only to heal his hands but to stop evil sorcerers like Mordo. The Ancient One, seeing Strange’s change of heart, accepted him as a disciple.
Thus begins Dr. Strange’s journey from a broken man to a powerful sorcerer, with this story laying the foundation for his future role as Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme. Strange’s quick thinking and newfound humility allow him to stand against Mordo’s dark magic, setting the stage for their eventual rivalry as Strange dedicates himself to the mystic arts under the Ancient One's tutelage.
Editor's Note:
The next part Strange Tales (1951) #116-117 is now released, visit here. If you have a favorite comic that you'd like us to explain in detail, feel free to leave a comment! You can also reach out to us on Instagram, Discord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!
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